Toby Keith’s: Great Food, Rockin’ Country Music – NO GUNS

Country music mega star Toby Keith is opening new restaurants across the country. Named “Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill” the restaurants are know for great food and lively country entertainment. Because of this they are incredibly popular.

Happily his newest eatery in Woodbridge Virginia sports a sign on the front door that reads “NO GUNS PERMITTED.” This in spite of the fact that Virginia laws allow openly carrying firearms into establishments where liquor is served and drinking while open carry is legal. “ fact state laws offer zero guidance on drinking and open carrying a gun.

According to FOX News the no gun policy in Keith’s restaurants got a harsh response from local gunners who posted angry comments on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

One of the Facebookers wrote ” That sign on the door means that I will never try your restaurant. It is a cultural thing among we Americans. It is the fact that you seek to restrict a Constitutional Right that bothers the public. This is what will cost you.”

Another wrote ” I am now ashamed to say I was ever a fan of yours Toby. You truly are a hypocrite.”

However the majority of responses have proven to positive. One of the positive comments states “I’m going to tell you right now, alcohol can make you do funny things. So that sign absolutely makes me feel more comfortable.”

A person named JT Jaeger wrote, “Bottom line is that I feel safer sitting in a room with unarmed strangers than with armed strangers. I suppose someone could suddenly attack me with a pork chop or something, but I’d have a better chance of fighting them off with my steak knife than I would if they opened fire on me – once someone shoots you, the chance of responding is typically too little too late.”

Terry D’Addio stated, “It is a smart business decision – liability insurance costs. He’s not saying people can’t carry guns. The company doesn’t want them in their establishment. So if you are a gun carrying citizen, does that mean you can’t go without it for the amount of time it takes to go to a restaurant and eat a meal? Come on people.”

Since opening it is reported that the restaurant has been doing gang-buster business and there has been no fall-off in customers or fun since the “NO GUNS ALLOWED” sign was posted.

Mr. Keith’s franchise is owned by Arizona-based Capri Restaurant Group Enterprises LLC. His restaurant chain has expanded to more than a dozen cities nationwide since opening in Oklahoma City in 2005. I hope we see one in the Capital District real soon.